updated 10:40 pm EDT, Mon October 1, 2007

Pentax Optio A40, V10

Pentax on Monday evening debuted two new compact digital cameras, including the Optio A40, the ultra-slim Optio V10, as well as its DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL [IF] ultra zoom lens for digital SLRs. As the latest model in the Optio A series, the Optio A40 offers 12 megapixels of optical resolution and three different types of Shake Reduction including mechanical, digital and movie -- all of which help users take sharp, blur-free shots when taking action shots or in low-light conditions. The Optio A model also features the newest Face Recognition technology including a Natural Skin Tone mode and a Half-length Portrait mode, which automatically takes a head and shoulder photograph of subjects.

Pentax also announced the Optio V10, an ultra-slim compact digital camera equipped with a large 3.0 inch LCD monitor for enhanced usability and easy viewing. The Optio V10 features 8 megapixels of resolution, a 3X optical zoom and easy operations in a slim, stylish, affordable body. The Optio V10 will ship in November for $250.

Finally, the company introduced its smc Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL [IF] ultra zoom lens designed exclusively for Pentax digital SLR cameras. The new lens offers an approximate 14-times zoom ratio covering wide-angle to super-telephoto ranges and handles a variety of applications without the need for lens changes. The lens will ship in October for US $500.